Through the week, syracuse.com will be checking in with former Syracuse players competing in their first NFL training camps. We started with center Macky MacPherson on Tuesday, and continue with defensive tackle Jay Bromley.

Syracuse, N.Y. — There's no question that Jay Bromley was the backbone of the Syracuse defensive line last season. If his team-leading 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss weren't enough, just ask defensive coordinator Chuck Bullough about the void he left.

But now, working with proven veterans such as Jason Pierre-Paul, Mathias Kiwanuka, Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson every day, Bromley has had to adjust to being the new guy on the block as a rookie with the New York Giants.

"Not being the top dog anymore, to an extent, you just want to learn from everybody else," Bromley said in a phone interview on Wednesday. "Sometimes you're not going to like that, being a rookie and doing the things you have to do, but you just have to have humility and see things for what they are. Everybody goes through this."

For example, earlier in camp all of the rookies were asked to stand in front of the team and either sing a song or display a talent.

The 6-foot-3, 306-pound Bromley chose to belt out "My Girl" by The Temptations.

"I know that one's from a long time ago," Bromley said with a chuckle.

But despite the shoulder pad-carrying and group meal-paying traditions that come with being a third-round draft pick, Bromley has maintained focus on getting onto the football field as soon as possible this season. He's taken feedback from all of the veterans but is also comfortable critiquing those guys.

He's working on his stance and his hands, but most importantly his hips.

"I feel like I can get pressure on the pocket whenever I want to," Bromley said. "I've just got to be able to finish and get my hips around people."

Bromley is listed as the third-string right defensive tackle on the current Giants depth chart but could also line up at nose tackle depending on what formation the defense is running.

Through three preseason games, Bromley thinks he has gradually improved and wants to continue that trend when the Giants play the New York Jets on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

He understands that the experience even reserve veterans like Jonathan Hankins and Markus Kuhn bring gives them a leg-up heading into the season. But that doesn't mean he can't move up.

Said Bromley: "As far as me getting on the field, it's all on me. There's no scholarship. There's no redshirt year. So if I'm able to play by the grace of God and be healthy, I want to be on that field as much as possible.

"But I've got to make sure I put myself through the ringer, make sure I'm ready for it so I can help my team."